Working for yourself and volunteering
Working for yourself
As your own boss, you have the flexibility of controlling your own work environment, travel, hours and money. State assistance is, broadly speaking, the same as all would-be self-employed people receive:
- Income Tax allowances on expenses including travel, subscriptions to magazines and heating and lighting the workplace in your home.
- Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme in which the Government guarantees a proportion of a loan from a high street bank or other financial institution against default.The scheme is only available for existing businesses or start-ups in some sectors.
- Business Start-up Allowance from some Learning and Skills Councils (LSC) in England and The National Council for Education and Training for Wales or Local Enterprise Councils (LECs) in Scotland is part of a package which includes training in setting up a business and business planning.
Action point: All newly self-employed people have to register for National Insurance contributions and Income Tax. Booklet PFE1 from the Inland Revenue contains a registration form for National Insurance contributions and Income Tax. Many disabled people will not have to pay National Insurance contributions if they earn below the threshold.You will also not have to pay VAT if your annual turnover is less than a certain amount. If, however, it is above this amount, you will need to apply to Customs and Excise for VAT registration (0845 0109000). Further information is available from the Self-Employed Agency.Tel: 0845 9154515.
Think about volunteering
Voluntary work can put you in touch with the world of work and may help you assess your strengths. It can be a bridge into paid employment, providing references and proving your skills and abilities. But check with your local Social Security office to make sure no benefit would be affected before starting voluntary work.
Action point: Get in touch with a specialist agency such as:
CSV (Community Service Volunteers) finds volunteering opportunities for people aged 16+ with free food and accommodation, plus a small weekly allowance.
Tel: (020) 7278 6601;
Freephone hotline for volunteers: 0800 374991;
Website: www.csv.org.uk.
Volunteer Development England has a network of over 300 volunteer bureaux in England, offering local volunteering opportunities.
Tel: (0121) 633 4555 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00);
Website: www.vde.org.uk.
Wales Council for Voluntary Action is the lead organisation in Wales.
Tel: (029) 2043 1700;
Textphone: (029) 2043 1702;
Website: www.wcva.org.uk.
